Thursday, December 6, 2012

Kenneth Wayne Smith, 65, passed away November 23, 2012 in Sacramento, California, at the home of his beloved daughter Kimberly Delaney, who lovingly cared for him the last few months of his illness. His son Kevin and other close family members were often by his side.

He was born October 23, 1947, in Salmon, Idaho. His parents, Wayne Ivan and Ida May (Dahle) Smith, took him home to the family ranch on Sandy Creek, where he spent his early years. Ken rode a horse to the one-room schoolhouse to attend first grade when he was five. The family moved to Cobalt, later to Salmon and finally settled in Mackay, where Ken graduated from high school. He served in the Navy and was awarded The Bronze Star for Valor in Viet Nam. His marriage with Luisa Vargas (later divorced) was blessed with two children, Kevin and Kimberly, the pride of his life.

He received his M.S. in Civil Engineering from Cal State Fullerton. Ken and Luisa moved their family to Boise, Idaho, then on to Sparks, Nevada. Ken enjoyed many adventures and friends. He had bear stories, whale stories and fish stories to tell. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, riding 4-wheelers and motorcycles, gold mining in Alaska with his stepbrother Gordon, as well as working at Dickey Livestock, the Fulton Ranch. There was always an adventure, a well-told story to follow and impressionable memories for those of us lucky enough to share the trail. Ken spent the last 20 years in Kodiak, Alaska, where he had many friends who became his family. He was Past Exalted Ruler of Kodiak Elks Lodge and was also a Trustee of the lodge for several years and was an enthusiastic participant in all its activities and responsibilities. He was Past Post Commander of the local VFW and was also very active in the American Legion Post. His service was woven into the fabric of Kodiak Island. As a project manager for the Kodiak Island Borough, he oversaw more than 100 different improvements and projects. Ken will be forever loved and missed more than he could have ever imagined!